On Tuesday, September 16, the royal family gathered to mourn the passing of Katharine, the Duchess of Kent, who passed away on September 4 at the age of 92. However, one prominent royal figure was missing from the funeral—Queen Camilla.
Camilla was unable to attend the historic Requiem Mass, which marked the first time in centuries that the royal family participated in a Catholic service for one of its members, due to illness. The Queen was recovering from acute sinusitis.
Buckingham Palace confirmed Camilla’s absence in a statement, which read, “With great regret, Her Majesty The Queen has withdrawn from attendance at this afternoon’s Requiem Mass for The Duchess of Kent as she is recovering from acute sinusitis. Her thoughts and prayers will be with The Duke of Kent and all the family.”
Despite the setback, it is believed that Camilla’s condition is not serious, and she is still expected to attend all engagements related to the upcoming visit of President Donald Trump.
The Duchess of Kent’s funeral service, which took place at Westminster Cathedral, followed a historic path with her coffin transported to the Royal Burial Ground at Frogmore, Windsor, after the Requiem Mass. Flags at all royal residences flew at half-mast in her honor.
Notably, the Duchess was known for her unconventional approach to royal life, including at Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding, where she famously wore comfortable white and silver Hogan sneakers instead of formal footwear.
